GRAVE OF THE FIREFLIES

The film is about two children who are struggling to survive: Brother, Seita, is fourteen years old and little sister, Setsuko four years old. It starts with Seita’s death and goes back. Towards to end of Second World War, in Japan, these two children try to escape from bombs and they hope to meet their mum who escapes to shelter. When airplanes become invisible, they go to school which is working as a hospital since Setsuka’s eyes burns. As soon as they entered the village they realize that the whole village, probably including their home is tortured. They meet a neighbor of them; she tells to Seita that their mum is also in school and her situation is really bad, it is good for him to go and see her. When Seita see his mum who has burned wholly, he realizes what is waiting for them. He doesn’t mention about their mum to his little sister who cries by saying I want to see my mum. He tries to cheer up her but it doesn’t work.  Other day mum dies and Seita decides to go the relative whose address he only knows. At first, she welcomes them because Seita brings “good foods” which are supplied by government for soldier families (his father is in navy). Later the aids finish and the aunt propose to sell Seita’s mum kimonos to buy some rice. Although Seita accepts, Setsuka doesn’t want. Surely Setsuka isn’t listened and bought some rice. The aunt gives only half of the rice. Looking after Setsuka becomes Seita’s only job. They go to bleach and enjoy together. They have a box of candy and Setsuka loves this very much. In night, when Setsuka couldn’t sleep, Setsuka takes her out at his back and they look to fireflies. With time the aunt doesn’t cook for them and starts to complain about them. They can’t stand this and decide to move the abandoned shelter which they escape from bombs and hide in. After buying some furniture, they settle down there. The first night they spend there, Setsuka can’t sleep because of the dark. Her brother finds a really very good way to light inside: fireflies. He collect some fireflies and release them in. it works so much that they can see even each other. Other day, Seita finds Setsuka when she is graving for fireflies. She says that my mum is also in grave, why do fireflies have to die so soon? When Seita learn that she was already know that their mum is dead, he starts to cry. After some time, their meal finishes and they go to find some food. But nobody wants to sell because they want to leave for themselves. Even they suggest them to return the relatives house. Seita doesn’t reply and leave. After some time Seita realizes that Setsuka is ill. In the end, Seita can’t stand and steal some food but the owner catches and takes him to police. Because the owner beat Seita, police finds the owner guilty and release him. In this time, Setsuka’s illness goes bad and Seita takes her to doctor. But doctor says that the only thing she need is “good food” not other stuff. Seita pisses off and asks “How can I find ‘good food’? Seita goes to bank to take some money and there he learns that war is over and Japan is loser which He really surprises. He also learns that his father is dead too. When he returns to shelter, he finds Setsuka in a very situation. He goes back and brings some food for her. He gives a little water melon to her and this becomes the last food she eats. Seita prepares a funeral for her and leaves from shelter and never returns. Film finishes with the scene which they are together.